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Washington State Football: Preview, predictions, live stream vs. Nevada

By Connor Muldowney

PULLMAN, WA - SEPTEMBER 16: Kyle Sweet #17 of the Washington State Cougars scores a touchdown in the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Martin Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated Oregon State 52-23. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
PULLMAN, WA - SEPTEMBER 16: Kyle Sweet #17 of the Washington State Cougars scores a touchdown in the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Martin Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated Oregon State 52-23. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /
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Washington State football will look to gain some confidence against Nevada in Week 4 before heading into conference play.

Mike Leach has had some success as the coach of Washington State football. The Cougars have been solid, for the most part, this season, posting a 3-0 record. The Cougars are a fourth-quarter comeback away from being 2-1 with a tough loss against Boise State, but #Pac12AfterDark struck the Broncos.

Luke Falk wasn’t remotely healthy, or on point, in that contest, but has since rebounded. He has completed over 70 percent of his throws this season for 900 yards and nine touchdowns. With him leading the offense, it could be a long day for Nevada.

Washington State’s offense averages over 400 passing yards per game, but only 77 rushing yards, which has been the case for the past few years.

Conversely, Nevada is looking for its first win on the season still. The Wolf Pack have lost their first three games of the season to Northwestern, Toledo and Idaho State which signals a long season ahead. Can this team, which is giving up nearly 440 yards of offense per game, slow down the Cougars?

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s Washington State vs Nevada game:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 23
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Location: Pullman, Wash.
Venue: Martin Stadium
TV: Pac-12 Network
Live Stream: Pac-12 Live

Keys to Victory

Continue to pass the ball if you’re Washington State. Nevada’s secondary allows nearly 300 passing yards per game and the only solid passing attack the Wolf Pack have faced is Toledo — not even close to what Luke Falk can do. He’s coming off a confidence-building six-touchdown game and will need to build on that.

If Nevada even wants to have a shot in this one, the Wolf Pack need to figure out a way to slow down the passing attack. Falk is capable of going off and if he’s held in check, the Washington State run game won’t be able to go anywhere.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete first round after Week 3

Prediction

This one could get ugly. The Wolf Pack couldn’t salvage a win against FCS foe Idaho State and it might get out of hand early. The Wolf Pack defense has been poor while Washington State’s passing attack is scary. Expect Luke Falk to go off on Saturday afternoon in Pullman for about 400 yards and four touchdown passes before getting pulled early in the fourth.

Final Score: Nevada 10, Washington State 45

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